Joanna James
A major draw for visitors to Bangkok is the incredible variety of tasty and budget-friendly local food! If you're a foodie heading to Thailand, there's no better place to explore essential Thai dishes than the capital. Check out this list of Bangkok's best restaurants and street food stalls.
In the heart of Bangkok, Jeh O Chula (Jay Oh) offers an unforgettable experience with its famed tom yum mama noodles. This humble eatery, featured in the 2019 Michelin Guide, serves a savoury broth brimming with generous toppings and perfectly cooked mama noodles. The queue often stretches for hours, but every slurp of their iconic noodle soup justifies the wait. Their extensive menu includes a large pot of tom yum noodles, Thai-style shrimp omelette, crispy pork belly, and stir-fried morning glory, ideal for sharing among groups of two to eight.
Thip Sa Mai is synonymous with the best Pad Thai in Bangkok. This venerable stall, with over 50 years of history, draws long lines of eager patrons daily. Their Pad Thai stands out with its unique bright orange hue, a result of mixing shrimp paste into the dish. For an enhanced experience, order the Pad Thai wrapped in a fluffy omelette. The rich flavours and perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy make it a must-try for any visitor.
P’Aor proclaims itself as the home of the best tom yum soup in Bangkok, and it lives up to this claim. Their luxurious lobster tom yum noodles are a feast for the senses, featuring a bounty of seafood including crab stuffed with minced meat and roe, lobster, mussels, salmon, and squid. This elaborate dish, priced at 40 USD, can comfortably feed up to six people. The richness of the soup, combined with the fresh, high-quality seafood, offers an unparalleled culinary experience.
Somsak Boo Op specializes in woon sen or vermicelli, typically served with crab or shrimp. This street-side stall, run by a single dedicated chef, serves one of the best versions of this dish in Bangkok. The combination of smoky, perfectly seasoned glass noodles and succulent seafood, garnished with green onions, makes the long wait in line worthwhile. The simplicity of the ingredients, elevated by expert cooking, showcases the essence of Thai street food.
Hoi Tod Chaw Lae is renowned for its crispy oyster omelette, a beloved dish among locals. This unassuming shophouse also excels in shrimp Pad Thai and stir-fried mussel and oyster omelette. Each dish is topped with plump, juicy seafood, ensuring a delightful burst of flavour with every bite. The crispiness of the omelette combined with the freshness of the seafood creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
For those craving Khao Kha Moo, the tender braised pork leg dish, Charoen Saeng Silom is the go-to spot. This hidden gem might be easy to miss, but it's a favourite among locals. The dish features perfectly seasoned pork that melts in your mouth, accompanied by a bowl of rice to soak up the rich gravy. The depth of flavour and tender texture of the pork makes it a standout meal in Bangkok's bustling food scene.
Gokfayuen offers an alternative to the famous Pratunam Soi 19 Wanton Noodles with shorter lines and equally delicious fare. Their Hong Kong-style wanton noodles feature smoky, well-seasoned roasted pork (char siu), savoury broth, springy noodles, and plump wantons. Priced between 2-4 USD, this meal is a bargain for the quality and taste it delivers, making it a must-try for noodle enthusiasts.
Bangkok’s take on fried chicken is a crunchy, well-seasoned delight, and Soi Polo Fried Chicken is one of the best places to experience it. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019, this spot is a local favourite. The chicken is flavoured with black pepper, topped with crispy golden garlic, and served with a spicy dipping sauce that enhances the overall taste. This fried chicken is addictive and a true testament to Bangkok's diverse culinary offerings.
Jay Fai, the only street food vendor awarded a Michelin Star in Bangkok, is famed for her crab omelette. Despite the high price tag of 38 USD, the omelette is generously stuffed with fresh crab meat, justifying the cost. The long wait for a seat is a testament to the dish’s popularity and quality. Each bite of the omelette reveals chunks of sweet, succulent crab, making it a luxurious street food experience.
Bangkok's culinary scene is a paradise for food lovers, offering an array of dishes that capture the essence of Thai cuisine. From the spicy, fragrant tom yum noodles at Jeh O Chula to the decadent crab omelette at Jay Fai, each dish tells a story of tradition, flavour, and passion. Exploring these local favourites provides a true taste of Bangkok, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor staying at Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok, which is a Thonglor serviced apartment, these culinary delights promise to leave you craving more.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
